Report: Google uncovers ads by Russian operatives

Associated Press , TEGNA9:06 AM. PDT October 09, 2017

An Indian visitor talks on his mobile phone outside the Google stall at the India Mobile Congress in New Delhi on September 27, 2017. (Photo: PRAKASH SINGH/AFP/Getty Images, This content is subject to copyright.)

NEW YORK (AP) - Russian operatives spent tens of thousands of dollars on ads across Google products, including YouTube and Google search, according to reports.

The Washington Post is reporting that the technology behemoth uncovered the Russian-backed disinformation campaign as it considers whether to testify before Congress next month. Social media companies Facebook and Twitter have already agreed to testify.

The report said the company discovered the Russian presence by siphoning data from Twitter. The Washington Post report is based on anonymous sources familiar with the investigation.

In a statement, Google said it has a "set of strict ads policies including limits on political ad targeting and prohibitions on targeting based on race and religion."

"We are taking a deeper look to investigate attempts to abuse our systems, working with researchers and other companies, and will provide assistance to ongoing inquiries," the statement continued.